Legacy Peterson, 3, of Butler, tries on a coat with help from his mother, Stephaney, as the Center for Community Resources distributes coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Linda Thoma estimates upward of 1,000 new and lightly used coats were collected by the Center for Community Resources to be distributed to people in need Friday, Oct. 11.

Hundreds of residents attended the event on South Chestnut Street, the senior outreach manager said. Jess Reed, the outreach manager for the organization, said a number of coats still remain. CCR will continue to distribute the remaining coats, she said.

From 10 to 11:30 a.m., Reed said the organization saw a steady, “nonstop” stream of visitors.

“I think everything has become more and more expensive,” Thoma said. “Again, you know, food, clothing, housing, you know, transportation — when you're trying to put gas in the car and feed the kids. People are traditionally working one, two jobs just to make ends meet, trying to find extra work just to — just to make it.”

“We used to see mainly people in poverty,” Reed said, noting people who receive services range from homeless to low income to what some may consider middle class.

“I think it shows that there’s a lot of people that can’t afford basic essentials they need, especially as crucial as a coat,” she said. “I think a lot of people take that for granted.”

Eighteen organizations, including Glade Run Lutheran Services, Catholic Charities, the Grapevine Center, United Way and the Housing Authority, were also present Friday, Thoma said. Over 20 volunteers helped run the coat distribution.

“I think there’s kind of some kind of stigma there, that it’s assumed that people are not trying ...” Reed said. “But it’s people that are just genuinely trying to survive, and sometimes just need a bit of help. There’s things you can do if you have the means to get involved and help out, even just volunteering your time. It doesn’t have to be financial, but just volunteering your time helps.”

People line up at the Butler City Farmers Market for coats being given to those in need by the Center for Community Resources on Friday Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

People look through coats as the Center for Community Resources distribute coats to those in need at the Butler City Farmers Market on Friday Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

LaVina Peterson, 5, of Butler, tries on a coat with help from his mother, Stephaney, as the Center for Community Resources distribute coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

People look for coats as the Center for Community Resources distribute coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Legacy Peterson, 3, from Butler, shows excitement for his new hat and coat as the Center for Community Resources distribute coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

People line up to get coats as the Center for Community Resources distributes coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

Center for Community Resources worker Jessica Porneluzi sorts coats as the organization distribute coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

LaVina Peterson, 5, of Butler, tries on a coat with help from her mother, Stephaney, as the Center for Community Resources distributes coats to those in need at Butler City Farmers Market on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle